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I Like Me by Lesley D. Nurse

I like me. It's simple yet hard for some to say it about themselves and truly mean it. I once thought that it was a bad thing to say, based on how other people saw themselves. The truth is, I used to surround myself with people who had limited beliefs, and liking me, was seen as arrogant. Don't believe the lie. Liking oneself should actually come in first place, because when you like yourself, you can like others too. I was having a business phone conversation with a woman yesterday, discussing my book, "How Sunny Sees It" and she said with enthusiasm that she could imagine if we hung out together, that I would be so much fun with her and her friends. I didn't fully agree with that and said " I'm more of a one on one person and I like to keep a distance. I'm pleasant but not on." She paused. Then she followed up with " really? I took you for an outgoing person" and then I wondered what did I just spell out to her? ( I am likeable, I thought to myself) It was an awkward conversation of pleasant exchanges, but it seemed like she kept trying to tidy up what she thought I was trying to say. " Oh you mean that I'm the lucky one because you're choosing to be close to me right? "

" Right" I agreed. Maybe, she thought that I'm friendly after a cosmo or two, I thought to myself. Either way, I didn't care, because I like me. I told her that I'm more interested in organic connections and it depends. That is the truth. It might sound dull or boring or even mean, but I do care about genuine connections. I care about listening to what you have to say, as long as you care about what I have to say. I care about what makes you smile or cry, as long as you care about what makes me smile or cry. I care about our bond and if I have to wait to make that connection, then I'll wait. Don't get me wrong, I am and can be on, but I don't want to fake it, I want to be inspired to feel it. Some people are going to want you to fit into their image of you. If they see you as friendly and outgoing, they will expect that from you. If they see you as mean or rude, they will expect that from you. That's from them. It's how you see yourself and what you aspire to become is what matters. Keep working on it daily because even if some people believe that they don't have to work at it, we all do. I'm not going to tell you that every little doubtful whisper in your head or temptation to clean it up or make her reconsider liking me voice, goes away. But, I can promise you that you get to make the choice. It is hard work to adjust to people's expectations of you. It is hard work to keep trying to fit in. Just be you. It might not guarantee all of the friends in the world, but you will get the greatest gift of the world and that is the gift of accepting you - and I like that.

so what?

These words are so simple yet powerful. In fact, whenever I have a " moment" I say these words to myself. I wouldn't be able to create inspiring stories if I didn't experience moments of doubts, challenges or that good old intellectual side of mine, that likes facts over faith. The struggle is real. Sometimes, you are the first. Sometimes, they will not like you because they can not relate to you nor understand you. Sometimes, you're too fearless and that can scare those who are not, or not as fearless as you are. The true destination of happiness is within you and not anywhere else or anyone else. It might seem that it's too good to be true, but it really is true. The more solid that you are, the more solid you can handle life and what comes your way. There is no discount when you're braver. You just have tools that you're not afraid to use, no matter how bad it is. Like meditation, positive affirmations, communication, patience, forgiveness, going first, trying something new, love and taking action, like never before. So what will you say " so what" to? This is not meant to be rude or dismissive towards others. It's a mindset of courage and having the ability to go forward even when you feel everything but courageousness. It's the ability to take one more step, even when you don't feel like doing so. It's the inner voice that keeps pushing the button in our mind and hearts to do whatever it is that we truly are destined to do. So what will you do today that you've been putting off or talking yourself out of doing? When will you go for it? Scared? So what? Who isn't? Fear is not able to stop you unless you allow it to. So the next time that you need a pick me up and no one is around to help out, just ask yourself, so what? What do you have to lose? It's your one life to live, go for it. If they don't believe in you or like you, or it's never been done before or it's too hard, but YOU want to do it? So What? Do it! You get to decide and that's so awesome.

It's funny. I really thought that my plan was going to work out. I had the goals, education and " It" factor as some would say. I find it rather miraculous, that I have written something so precious to me and hopefully to my buyers. I worked hard! And I say that with no fluff or puff, well not puffed up. Through health issues, financial, relationship, job issues and more, there is a true testimony in everything that I write. Because you name it, lets just say, I can relate. I guess that's why I love Sunny so much in my latest book. Sunny is effortlessly cute and has "it" but she also, like most iof us, has struggles. Some are ongoing, some go away and some try to say hello from time to time. You root for her. You see her. And for some, you are her. I really think that Sunny was a part of me. It's funny what you can create for others to see in themselves, that you can also see in yourself too at times. Sunny, thinks that what she is going through, has never happened to anyone else other than herself. She feels like her lack of confidence in her reading is just going to keep her where she is. How many times have you told that lie to yourself? It's not true, It's never too late to be great. And the more that you stick to it, the better you will become. Greatness is only a call of action away.